Branching Out: Two Tree Bookcases

We love seeing inspiring design from all over the world, but it can be frustrating when you see something you love that is not readily available in your country. This was the case with Korean designer Shawn Soh's tree bookcase which was the subject of a lot of blog buzz a few years ago. Nurseryworks has made it available in the U.S. for all you treehuggers and their sister company has the Spruce bookcase coming soon.

Sometimes putting one statement piece in a kid's room is exactly what you need to create a unique, fun space. Nurseryworks' Tree Bookshelf could be just the right whimsical, unusual element to transform a nursery or bedroom. The bookcase functions as both decor and storage; against a wall, the branch-shaped shelves create the illusion of an actual tree growing upwards. With many different nooks, the piece lends itself to organizing and compartmentalizing books and other bits and bobs. The manufacturer claims the unit can hold over 100 books, so it serves as real storage, not just a design-y token. Young kids may need a stool to reach the upper levels, but other than that, we can't see much of a downside to the Tree Bookcase. (Of course, besides the $850 price tag.)

A pared down and more affordable tree bookshelf is coming next month from Babyletto (Nurseryworks and Babyletto are both owned by MDB). We saw it at the ABC Kids show this fall and, if memory serves, it will be less than $300. Called, the Spruce, you can check on its availability here.